Blogg-ed Issue

Yesterday was Cayley’s birthday. Her fifth.

Cayley is getting to be such a big girl, and she is still crazy for all creatures great and small. Brett and I decided that her fifth birthday was a wonderful opportunity to give her her very own pet.

The birthday tradition in our home is to wait as long as is possible and then all pile into bed with daddy and the presents, and have a gift opening fest.

Wanting Cayley to be able to choose her own kitten meant I had to come up with something for her to unwrap.

While Brett and I were away together for a couple of days in Lesmurdie we picked up a couple of second-hand books about kittens.

In the back of the kitten story I put a little note that told her what her gift was.  I found a lovely $2.00 cat necklace too. She opened the presents from Uncle Peter and the siblings first and then our package of books and jewellery. But she didn’t want to read the story – she was looking for more presents.

I just read the story anyway. And then found the note at the end of the book. Brett read that to her so that I could get a photo of the moment.

She could not believe it.

“A real kitten?”

“For me?”

“To keep?”

I had mentioned to her that it was Uncle Gerry’s birthday that day too. She was so unable to believe that she would be getting her very one kitten that she thought we must be either getting a kitten for Uncle Gerry, or getting a kitten for her like his battery operated cat.

Once she figured it out though, there was much excitement, and we couldn’t get out of the house quick enough. Three hours when you are five (just) and very, very excited is a long, long time.

But eventually the time arrived and we’d we we’re off.

Over the last year or so I have taken the children to the Animal Protection Society so that Cayley can share her overflowing affection for our poor old cat Ookie with some cats less fortunate than her, and that is where we went.

Cayley wanted to bring every kitten home, but eventually a choice was made.

He was named Spot.

And ten minutes later he was Patch.

But thirdly and finally (it seems) he is Timba.

He is so loved.

And so is Cayley.

Cayley we are so thankful that God has made you part of our family.

You are so gentle hearted and loving. You hate to see anyone feeling upset, and do everything that you can to change that.

This year you have completed kindy, and have really done so well. You are a gorgeous school girl, wonderful student, and good friend.

You moved out of your shared room with Elisha and got you very own pink bedroom.

You have a very strong will, and you know what you want. At times it is a challenge as your mummy, but i am so excited to see what God has planned for you.

May you grow in Him more than in anything else in this coming year my precious girl, there is no one else like Him.